Can You Mix Borax And Baking Soda? (Solved)

If you're into DIY cleaning tricks, you’ve probably got Borax and baking soda stashed somewhere in your cabinets. 

These two household staples are beloved for their versatility and natural cleaning power. But if you’ve ever wondered if it’s a good idea to mix them together, you’re not alone.

Can combining Borax and baking soda actually improve your cleaning routine?

Well, wonder no more!

In this post, I'll shed some light on whether it’s safe to mix Borax and baking soda, how they work together, and all the ways you can use them.

Can You Mix Borax And Baking Soda?

Yes, you can mix borax and baking soda safely!

These two natural cleaning products work really well together because they help each other clean better, and they don't create any bad chemical reactions or harmful fumes. 

Baking soda is a mild alkali that helps to dissolve dirt and grease easily.

Borax (sodium borate) is a natural mineral with antifungal, antibacterial, and deodorizing properties. 

When you put them together, you get a cleaning mixture that works better than using just one or the other, and it's still gentle enough to use regularly in your home.

Also Read: Can You Mix Clorox And Lysol?

Common Uses For Borax And Baking Soda Together

There are lots of ways to use a mixture of Borax and baking soda around your house. From making your laundry cleaner to getting rid of bad smells, these two ingredients can handle all sorts of cleaning jobs. 

Here's how you can put them to work in your home:

#1 Cleaning Powder

One of the easiest and most effective ways to use Borax and baking soda is as a homemade scrubbing powder.

When you mix the two, you get a powerful, abrasive cleaner that works wonders on tough stains and built-up grime. Just sprinkle the mixture on dirty surfaces like countertops, sinks, or tubs, and then scrub away!

The baking soda helps scrub without scratching, and the borax breaks down grease and dirt.

You can add a little water to make it into a paste - this helps it stick to walls and gives you more control while you're cleaning.

It works especially well on sinks and bathtubs where you get those hard water marks.

#2 Laundry Booster

Another great way to use Borax and baking soda together is in your laundry routine.

Both ingredients work as laundry boosters to fight odors, remove stains, and brighten whites.

Add both borax and baking soda to your wash - half a cup of each with your regular detergent. Your whites will look brighter, and your clothes will smell fresher. 

For extra-dirty loads, you can increase to 3/4 cup of each. 

The borax helps if you have hard water and makes your detergent work better. The baking soda balances things out and gets rid of those stubborn smells. 

This works really well for sweaty gym clothes, really dirty kids' clothes, and sheets or towels that need extra freshening up. 

You can even pre-soak really dirty items in hot water with this mixture for an hour before washing.

Also Read: OxiClean Vs Baking Soda

#3 Carpet Cleaner

Borax and baking soda are also great for freshening up carpets. 

The combination works to neutralize odors and lift dirt from the carpet fiber. It's really effective for pet accidents, food spills, and areas with heavy foot traffic.

Mix the same amount of borax and baking soda, sprinkle it on your carpet, and leave it there overnight or at least for a few hours.

For high-traffic areas, you can create a more concentrated mixture using two parts borax to one part baking soda.

The borax helps clean stains, kills bacteria and get rid of dust mites, while the baking soda works on getting rid of smells deep in the carpet. 

 When you're ready, just vacuum it all up - it'll take the dirt and bad smells with it. 

#4 Deodorizing

Speaking of deodorizing, borax and baking soda are both fantastic at eliminating odors in your home. If you need a natural deodorizer for your home, it can work wonders.

You can place bowls of the mixture in various corners of your home to absorb odors or sprinkle it on surfaces like upholstery and mattresses to freshen things up.

  • For general deodorizing, use equal parts of each. 

  • For stronger odors, increase the borax portion a bit. 

You can use it in garbage cans, diaper pails, where your pets hang out, and even closets.

Unlike air fresheners that mask smells, borax and baking soda actually remove odors at their source. The mixture performs particularly well in humid areas because borax helps control moisture, which often creates unpleasant smells. 

You can replace the mixture monthly or when it becomes less effective. 

Oh and adding several drops of essential oil to the mixture can create a pleasant natural fragrance!

It's cost-effective to keep your home smelling clean without artificial air fresheners.

Also Read: House Smells Like Paint Thinner

#5 Bathroom Cleaner

Bathrooms can get pretty grimy, but Borax and baking soda make a killer cleaning combo for tackling soap scum, mold, and bacteria. 

It works really well on sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers. 

The mixture even works on grout lines where mold and mildew like to grow, and it can help make your grout look clean again.

Make it into a paste by mixing equal parts of each with a little water. Put it on the areas you want to clean, wait 15-20 minutes, then scrub and rinse it off. You can even mix in a little liquid soap or vinegar to make it foam up and work even harder on tough stains. 

Borax helps fight mold and mildew, while baking soda cuts through soap scum and grime. 

It’s a safe, effective, and natural way to keep your bathroom sparkling clean.

Bottom Line

So, can you mix Borax and baking soda? YES! 

These two ingredients are already awesome on their own, but when you combine them, you get an even more powerful cleaning solution. 

FAQs

Can You Mix Borax And Baking Soda For Bugs?

Yes, you can mix borax and baking soda to help control bugs like ants and cockroaches. The combination works because borax acts as a toxic agent to insects when ingested, and baking soda can interfere with their digestive systems.

Can You Mix Borax And Baking Soda For Fleas?

Yes, borax and baking soda can be used together to help control fleas. The borax helps to dehydrate and kill the fleas, while the baking soda works to break down flea eggs and larvae.

Sprinkle the mixture on carpets, pet bedding, and other areas where fleas are present. Leave it for several hours, and then vacuum.

Can You Mix Borax And Vinegar?

Yes, you can mix borax and vinegar. This combo is often used for cleaning and deodorizing. The vinegar’s acidity helps to dissolve stains and grime, while borax boosts the cleaning power and can act as a mild disinfectant.

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